Submarine Indoor Air Quality and Crew Health: A Critical Narrative State-of-the-Art Review of Respiratory and Cardiovascular Risks
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Submarines represent extremely confined environments where breathing air is continuously recirculated for extended periods with minimal renewal, generating complex multipollutant atmospheres. OBJECTIVES: This critical narrative review aims to (i) summarize sources and composition of submarine indoor air, (ii) evaluate respiratory and cardiovascular risks for crews, and (iii) assess current purification technologies. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted following PRISMA recommendations applicable to non-systematic reviews. The PubMed search covered all years from inception to September 2025, complemented by backward citation tracking and technical reports. RESULTS: , and bioaerosols aboard submarines. Evidence from submariner cohorts and toxicological studies indicates risks of airway irritation, impaired mucociliary defenses, endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular stress, and neurobehavioral alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Submarine indoor air quality is a credible determinant of crew health. Existing filtration systems mitigate some risks but do not address multipollutant mixtures adequately. Improved real-time monitoring, advanced filtration, CFD-guided airflow optimization, and longitudinal medical surveillance are necessary.
Source: Toxics
Institutions: Direction Générale de l'Armement, Service de Santé des Armées
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7117482767